Download the free app, or watch online - the service from the BBC lets you catch-up on the TV and radio programmes you missed over the previous seven days. The iPlayer also transmits live BBC shows, should you find yourself at home without a TV. Watch out though, you must have a UK TV licence in order to make use of any live streaming services.

Pretty much what it says on the tin, 4oD allows you to watch all your favourite Channel 4, E4, Film4 and More4 programmes on-demand - even those dating back a fair few years. However, just like watching the real “box”, the Channel 4 catch-up services come with ads. Create an account and you’ll never have to miss another episode of Made in Chelsea again.

You get the drill. If you’re a serial Corrie addict or like to dabble with a bit of Dancing On Ice, this one’s for you. For a monthly subscription of £3.99, ITV also offer iOS users the option of upgrading to their Premium Player, to enjoy uninterrupted, ad-free TV. You'll just have to find another time to make that customary ad-break cuppa.

A huge hit in the US, Netflix is also really popular in the UK at the moment, and it’s definitely a top choice for movie-buffs missing their local Blockbusters. For a reasonable monthly fee, you get enough movies and TV shows to give you square eyes. What’s more, it offers a free one-month trial, so for 30 days you can instantly access around 2,000 films and TVs shows without having to pay a penny.

Although it’s not so hot on the latest Hollywood blockbusters, ad-funded free streaming service Viewster does offer a hefty range of international films and TV shows for the more culturally orientated film fanatic. From Japanese anime to Swedish crime, you can travel the world with a click of a finger.